No alcohol allowed on Sacramento River

New laws mean alcohol is banned on the Sacramento River for the Labor Day weekend.

A popular stretch of the river from the Irvine Finch River Access to Scotty's Landing, draws thousands of visitors on Labor Day weekend, especially on Sunday.

The river-goers' festivities typically revolve around drinking alcohol, which has resulted in countless water rescues, assaults and the September 2012 death of 20-year-old Brett Olson, a Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo student.

The law applies to the segment of the river from Highway 32 to the mouth of Big Chico Creek.

People will not be allowed to consume or have open containers within 50 feet of any water. Possession of alcohol on the water is also prohibited.

In addition to the ban, law enforcement agencies from Glenn and Butte counties will have a strong presence on the Sacramento River and in Chico.

Several boats and personal watercraft from both sheriff's offices and search and rescue teams will be on the water.

Agents from the Alcoholic Beverage Control, California Fish and Wildlife and the California Highway Patrol will assist at or near the river. Drunken driving crack down will be staged in Chico.

People caught violating the ban face a minimum citation of $100, but can likely run $380.

Everyone, including people who live out of town, will be required to attend court and complete any community service in the county if they're cited, according to Butte County. People cited should also be prepared to present a valid I.D. or have their thumbprint taken.

Individuals who decide to do their drinking away from the river, but show up too intoxicated, may face being arrested for being drunk in public. Officers and deputies often see people who are too impaired and it becomes a safety concern.

The Labor Day weekend events demand a tremendous amount of resources for all the cash-strapped agencies, according to officials.